Suspect chokes to death on bag of dope

Cops called off the dangerous pursuit, but it still ended badly for Curtis D. Patterson

By PoliceOne Staff

ALLEGHENY COUNTY, Pa. — A man who had served probation for selling drugs died after apparently choking to death on a bag of marijuana.

Curtis D. Patterson, 40, was found in his vehicle early Sunday, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Allegheny County police Lt. Andy Schurman said his windpipe was blocked with marijuana and a plastic bag that had contained the drug.

Police pulled Patterson over a few hours earlier, sources said, but he fled — striking concrete as he tried to turn onto a bridge at one point during the chase, which cops called off when it appeared to become dangerous.